The Karakorum highway connects China and Pakistan through some of the highest mountain regions in the world. It is built along steep slopes that show signs of instability, such as talus rock fragments at the base and lack of vegetation. The slopes are unstable due to their steep grade, the road cutting into the base, lack of plant cover and vibrations from traffic.

1. Slopes
The Karakorum
highway one of
the highest
paved
routeways in
the world. It
runs between
China and
Pakistan and is
an essential link.

2. Karakorum

3. Scan 2.45 Why are
slopes important?
 Evidence that this slope is currently active –
 A Lot of angular fragments lying at the foot
of the slope – this is called Talus
 Outcrops of bare rock, exposed to
weathering from where the material has
fallen
 Absence of vegetation – plants will only
colonise a stable area further stabilising it.

4. Why is the slope unstable?
 Four Clues –
Slope very steep
Road has cut into the base
No infiltration – no vegetation
Traffic Vibrations

5. How steep is steep?
 Match the angles with the limiting factors.
 Define Land use.